Chapter D: E S C R I B’d (4)

being arriv’d again at _Stonehenge_, from the last print, TAB. XXVIII. though small, we may see the beauty of the curve in the outer circle of that work, especially from the avenue, when the eye is below it. We observe the same in the grand front view. TAB. V.

And now we are return’d to the sacred fabric, we will discourse a little upon these temples in general, and so conclude this chapter.

In Macrob. _Saturn._ I. 18. mention is made of a famous round temple in _Thrace_, where they celebrate most magnificent religious rites. It is upon the hill _Zilmissus_. The temple is open at top. I suppose like ours, not a little round hole like as in the _Pantheon_, nor is it a small round _sacellum_ like those little round temples at _Rome_ to _Romulus_, to _Vesta_, &c. It is not reasonable to think they should build a _Pantheon_ in _Thrace_, nor can I understand it otherwise, than that, it was like our _Stonehenge_, and in truth an ancient patriarchal structure of a primitive model. The Deity here worshipp’d was call’d _Sabazius_ says he, some make him _Jupiter_, some the sun, some _Bacchus_. These are the first perversions of the _Jehovah_ of the _Jews_. In my Judgment, the name _Sabazius_ is a corruption of the _Hebrew_ name of God צבאות _sabaoth_, _Deus exercituum_, a title that would well suit the warlike _Thracians_. In time Idolatry debased every thing. When they perform’d the religious rites of _Bacchus_, they cried _Evohe_, _Sabbai_, and call’d him _Evius_, _Evan_, _Sabazius_, &c. _Evohe_ is a corrupt manner of pronouncing יהוה _Jehovah_, and this sacred cry is truly no other than what frequently occurs in holy scripture. יהוה צבאות _Jehovah Sabaoth_. He is the king of glory, _Psalm_ xxiv. 10. But I have discoursed on this head in my _Paleographia Sacra_ N^o I. which will be continued.

_Diodorus Siculus_ in his Book II. mentions a very eminent temple of a round form, among the _Hyperboreans_, as he calls them, who inhabit an island situate in the ocean over-against _Gaul_, which is not less than _Sicily_. He gives an odd account from thence mix’d with fable, and seemingly some reports of _Stonehenge_ itself.

Mr. _Toland_ is confident, this hyperborean region is our _Schetland_ isles, whence _Abaris_ the Druid and hyperborean philosopher, famous in _Grecian_ story. Whilst I am writing this, _March_ 6. 1739–40. we had an account read before the _Royal Society_, much confirming Mr. _Toland_’s notion; speaking of the admirable temperature of the air there, not subject to such extremities, such sudden changes, as even in _Britain_ itself. There are such temples as ours there.

_Arnobius_ in VI. speaking of the origin of temples, “We don’t, says he, make temples to the Gods, as if we design’d to shelter them from the rain, the wind, the sun: but that we may therein present ourselves before them, and by our prayers, after a sort, speak to them as if present.” We may well affirm this of our temple, built after the manner of the patriarchal ones, tho’ probably an improvement, and somewhat more magnificent. Ours consists of two ovals and two circles. Many in our island, which I suppose older than _Stonehenge_, consist of one oval, or niche-like figure made of three stones only, (of which our _adytum_ is a more magnificent specimen) and a circle of rude stones fix’d in the ground; of which our work, crown’d with a circular cornish, is a more magnificent specimen. Sometime I meet with a niche without a circle, sometime a circle without a niche. We may well say, the circle is analogous to our chapels, churches, or cathedrals, according to their different magnitude; the niches correspond to our choirs, altars, and more sacred part of the sacred building, the more immediate place of the residence of the Deity. They are what now the _Turks_ and _Arabians_ call the _kebla_, deriv’d, as we said before, from the patriarchal practice, and particularly from the great patriarch _Abraham_. I doubt not but the altars which he and his posterity made, mention’d in scripture, were a stone upon the ground before three set in a niche-like figure, and the whole inclos’d in a circle of stones. At other times they set only one stone for a _kebla_, as sometime our ancestors did likewise. This practice was propagated generally among all ancient nations. Among many it was forgotten, or not practised, where they had but little religion at all. Among others, after idolatry had prevail’d with them, they thought all former manners of worship like their own, and mistook the stones which were _keblas_ or places of worship, for the objects of worship. Hence _Maximus_ of _Tyre_ says, the _Arabians_ worshipp’d he knew not what, for he saw only a great stone. Which, no doubt, was the _kebla_ toward which they directed their devotion, as they had learnt from _Abraham_, or the like patriarchal ancestors. So _Pausanias_ in _Achaicis_ says, the ancient _Greeks_ worshipp’d unhewn stones instead of statues; more particularly among the _Pharii_, near the statue of _Mercury_, were 30 square stones, which they worshipp’d. If our author could not make his narration agreeable to common sense, he might well mistake this ancient patriarchal temple, somewhat like ours of _Stonehenge_, for a circle of deities: he himself being a stranger to any other than image-worship. I shall handle this matter more largely hereafter, and now let us descend again from the temple to the _cursus_. Only I would close this chapter with this short reflection. This avenue is proof enough (if there needed any) that our work is a temple, not a monument, as some writers would have it. But it requires no formal confutation.

_Stukeley del._

An inward View of STONEHENGE .AA. _the altar_.

_or Side view of the cell._]

CHAP. IX.

_Of the_ Cursus. _Games exercis’d on holy festivals. The Druids
understood geometry._

About half a mile north of _Stonehenge_, across the first valley, is the _cursus_ or _hippodrom_, which I discover’d _august_ 6. 1723. ’Tis a noble monument of antiquity: and illustrates very much the preceding account of _Stonehenge_. It was the universal custom, to celebrate games, feasts, exercises and sports, at their more publick and solemn meetings to sacrifice. Which was done quarterly and anniversarily, at certain stated seasons of the year. _Macrob. Satur._ I. says, “Upon holy days dedicated to the gods, there are sacrifices, feasts, games and festivals. For a sacred solemnity is, when sacrifices are offer’d to the gods, or holy feastings celebrated, or games perform’d to their honour, or when holy days are observ’d.” This great work is included between two ditches running east and west in a parallel, which are 350 foot asunder. When I mention 350 foot, I speak in the gross, and as we should set it down in an _English_ scale: but if we look into _Plate_ VI. where I have given a comparative view of our _English_ foot, and the most ancient cubit; at first sight we discern, this measure means 200 of the Druid cubits. This _cursus_ is a little above 10000 foot long: that is, it is made of 6000 Druid cubits in length. A most noble work, contriv’d to reach from the highest ground of two hills, extended the intermediate distance over a gentle valley: so that the whole _cursus_ lies conveniently under the eye of the most numerous quantity of spectators. To render this more convenient for sight, it is projected on the side of rising ground, chiefly looking southward toward _Stonehenge_. A delightful prospect from the temple, when this vast plain was crouded with chariots, horsemen and foot, attending these solemnities, with innumerable multitudes! This _cursus_, which is two miles long, has two entrances (as it were:) gaps being left in the two little ditches. And these gaps, which are opposite to each other, in the two ditches, are opposite to the strait part of _Stonehenge_ avenue.

I mention’d before, that at the bottom of the strait part of _Stonehenge_ avenue, in the valley, the avenue divides itself into two parts. One goes directly east toward _Radfin_, the other goes northwestward, and enters our _cursus_ nearly at the same distance west from the gaps or entrances before-mention’d: as those gaps are from the east end of the _hippodrom_. These gaps being at a convenient distance from that east end, may be thought to be in the nature of distance posts. It seems to me, that the turf of the adjacent ground on both sides, has been originally taken off, and laid on the whole length of this _cursus_, because it appears somewhat higher in level. Tho’ this was an incredible labour, yet a fine design for the purpose of running. The earth of the _vallum_ is likewise thrown inward.

The east end of the _cursus_ is compos’d of a huge body of earth, a bank or long barrow, thrown up nearly the whole breadth of the _cursus_. This seems to be the plain of session, for the judges of the prizes, and chief of the spectators. The west end of the _cursus_ is curv’d into an arch, like the end of the _Roman circus’s_. And there probably the chariots ran round, in order to turn again. And there is an obscure barrow or two, round which they return’d, as it were, a _meta_.

This is the finest piece of ground that can be imagin’d for the purpose of a horse-race. The whole is commanded by the eye of a spectator in any part. In the middle is a valley, and pretty steep at present: yet only so, as that a _British_ charioteer may have a good opportunity of showing that dexterity, spoken of by _Cæsar_. But the exquisite softness of the turf prevents any great damage by a fall. The ground of it hereabouts declines somewhat northward. The main part of this _hippodrom_ is upon a gentle ridge running east and west. This render’d the place cooler.

On the southern ridge, toward the west end of it, are many considerable barrows: but none towards the east end, for that would obstruct the view of _Stonehenge_. There are many barrows but of no considerable bulk, on the north-side, upon the extensive ascent, toward the great north long barrow. This magnificent work of the _cursus_ is drawn due east and west: except a small variation of 4 or 5 degrees southward from the east. If we measure along the bank, from the eastern _meta_, at 700 cubits exactly, we come over against the middle line of the strait part of the avenue to _Stonehenge_: 500 cubits further conducts us to the gaps or opposite entrances, I before mention’d; which we suppose as distance posts. The whole interval between the eastern _meta_ and these gaps, is 1200 cubits. At 1000 cubits more, we come to the place where the west wing of the avenue enters the southern ditch of the _cursus_. That west wing too, is just 1000 cubits long to its union, with the strait part of _Stonehenge_ avenue. Likewise the strait part of _Stonehenge_ avenue is just 1000 cubits long, as mention’d in its proper place. This west wing begins, in the bottom of that valley, which crosses the middle of the _cursus_ and sweeping along by the bottom of the hill, in a gentle curve, meets with the lower end of the strait part of _Stonehenge_ avenue, where the wing or avenue unites to it, with an equal angle. So that the whole work is laid out with great judgment and symmetry; and curiously adapted to the ground, which was well consider’d, before the plot was mark’d out, by the first surveyors. From the bottom of the valley crossing the middle of the _cursus_, to the western _meta_ is 3800 cubits more, making in the whole 6000 cubits. The north end of the eastern _meta_ does not extend so far as the northern bank of the _cursus_: I suppose, the reason is, that there might be liberty that way, to stop the horses, at the end of the course. Therefore they set out, on the south side of the _cursus_ and return’d by the north side. I observe the ditch and bank towards the eastern end of the _cursus_ much obscur’d, by the trampling of men and horses, frequenting the spectacles here: this being the most throng’d.

The _Cursus_ is directly north from _Stonehenge_: so exactly, that the meridian line of _Stonehenge_ passes precisely thro’ the middle of the _Cursus_. And when we stand in the grand entrance of _Stonehenge_ and observe the two extremities of the _Cursus_ the eastern and western _meta_, they are each exactly 60 degrees from the meridian line; on each hand: making a third part of the circle of the horizon. By which we see, the Druids well understood the geometry of a circle, and its measure of 360 parts.

Pausanias _in Beotic._ says, ‘among the _Thebans_, by the gate _Prætis_ is the _Gymnasium_ of _Jolaus_ and likewise the _stadium_, which is a bank of earth thrown up, such as that at _Olympia_ and of the _Laurii_. In the same place is the heroical monument of _Jolaus_. A little beyond, to the right is the _hippodrom_, and in it _Pindar_’s monument.’ The same author in _Arcad._ VIII. writes, ‘that before the walls of _Mantinea_, in a field, was a _stadium_ made for horse-races, in honour of _Antinous_. Not far from it was the temple of _Neptunus equestris_ and others.’ So that we see it was the manner of the ancient _Greeks_ thus to define their places for sports by banks of earth, and that near their temples.

After the _Romans_ had borrow’d the use of the _British_ chariots for travelling and the like, they us’d them too in the _Circensian_ games. Thus _Sidonius Apollinaris_ his poem upon it, _Lib._ XXII.

_Instant verberibus simul regentes,
Jamque & pectora prona de covinno
Extensi rapiuntur._——————————

_Stukeley del._ _Toms sculp._

_An inward view of the Cell obliquely._]

Again,

_Tunc cœtus juvenum sed aulicorum
Elæi simulachra torva Carapi
Exercent, spatiantibus quadrigis.
————tandem murmura buccinæ strepentis
Suspensas tubicen vocans quadrigas,
Effundit celeres in arva currus.
Hinc agger sonat, hinc Arar resultat,
Hinc se se pedes atque eques reflectit,
Stridentum & moderator essedorum._

Such, we may well imagine, was the scene of this place, in ancient days. And as the poet mentions the river _Arar_, I may take notice, in passing, that I have seen, several other places of sports and racings, which I take to have belong’d to the ancient _Britons_. As particularly those two great banks call’d _Rawdikes_ in the meadow near _Leicester_, which spectators look on as unaccountable. Another such work, I have seen in the meadow by _Dorchester_, the ancient _Roman_ city and episcopal see, in _Oxfordshire_. Both are by the side of rivers. Another upon the river _Lowther_ by _Perith_ in _Cumberland_.

These places by rivers, were more agreeable to the _Greek_ taste, as in a hotter country. Another like place of sports, was in the chalky valley just without the town of _Royston_, on the south side of it, by the _London_ road. The old _Roman_ road there, or _Hermen-street_ passes over one corner of the work, as being of later date. I may, perhaps, describe these more largely, another time. We read in _Homer_ and _Virgil_ that races were celebrated at funerals.

CHAP. X.

_Of the barrows, or sepulchral_ tumuli _about_ Stonehenge.
_Generally set in groups, which are family burial places; and
in sight of_ Stonehenge. _They are single burial places. How
the body is posited. What has been found in digging into these
barrows._

I come in the last place to speak of the barrows, observable in great numbers, round _Stonehenge_. We may very readily count fifty at a time, in sight, from the place; easily distinguishable: but especially in the evening, when the sloping rays of the sun shine on the ground beyond them. These barrows are the artificial ornaments of this vast and open plain. And it is no small entertainment for a curious person, to remark their beauties, their variety in form and magnitude, their situation. They are generally of a very elegant _campaniform_ shape, and done with great nicety. There is likewise a great variety in their shape, and turn, and in their diameters, in their manner of composition. In general, they are always upon elevated ground, and in sight of the temple of _Stonehenge_. For they all regard it. This shews, _they_ are but superficial inspectors of things, that fancy from hence, great battels on the plain; and that these are the tumultuary burials of the slain. Quite otherwise; they are assuredly, the single sepulchres of kings, and great personages, buried during a considerable space of time, and that in peace. There are many groups of them together, and as family burial places; the variety in them, seems to indicate some note of difference in the persons there interr’d, well known in those ages. Probably the priests and laity were someway distinguish’d; as well as different orders and stations in them. Most of the barrows have little ditches around, extremely well defin’d. In many is a circular ditch 60 cubits in diameter, with a very small _tumulus_ in the center. 60 or even 100 cubits is a very common diameter in the large barrows. Often, they are set in rows, and equidistant, so as to produce a regular and pretty appearance, and with some particular regard to the parts of the temple, the avenues, or the _cursus_. For instance, where the avenue begins at the first elevation, from _Radfin_ ford, advancing towards _Stonehenge_, seven large and flat old barrows are on the right hand of the avenue, towards the east end of the _cursus_, seven large barrows of a newer shape, are on the left hand: both these groups before spoken of, are plac’d in a similar manner, in regard to the avenue, and as wings or openings to it. Upon every range of hills, quite round _Stonehenge_, are successive groups of barrows, for some miles: and we may even observe, that great barrow by Lord _Pembroke_’s park at _Wilton_, which I call the tomb of _Carvilius_, is set within view of _Stonehenge_.

In 1722, my late Lord _Pembroke_, Earl _Thomas_, who was pleas’d to favour my inquiries at this place, open’d a barrow, in order to find the position of the body observ’d in these early days. He pitch’d upon one of those south of _Stonehenge_, close upon the road thither from _Wilton_: and on the east side of the road. ’Tis one of the double barrows, or where two are inclos’d in one ditch: one of those, which I suppose the later kind, and of a fine turn’d bell-fashion. It may be seen in _Plate_ IX. On the west side, he made a section from the top to the bottom, an intire segment, from center to circumference. The manner of composition of the barrow was good earth, quite thro’, except a coat of chalk of about two foot thickness, covering it quite over, under the turf. Hence it appears, that the method of making these barrows was to dig up the turf for a great space round, till the barrow was brought to its intended bulk. Then with the chalk, dug out of the environing ditch, they powder’d it all over. So that for a considerable time, these barrows must have look’d white: even for some number of years. And the notion of sanctity annex’d to them, forbid people trampling on them, till perfectly settled and turf’d over. Hence the neatness of their form to this day. At the top or center of this barrow, not above three foot under the surface, my Lord found the skeleton of the interr’d; perfect, of a reasonable size, the head lying toward _Stonehenge_, or northward.

The year following, in order to prosecute this inquiry, by my Lord’s order, I begun upon a barrow north of _Stonehenge_, in that group south of the _cursus_. ’Tis one of the double barrows there: and the more easterly, and lower of the two: likewise somewhat less. It was reasonable to believe, this was the sepulture of a man and his wife: and that the lesser was the female: and so it prov’d, at least a daughter. We made a large cut on the top from east to west. After the turf taken off, we came to the layer of chalk, as before, then fine garden mould. About three foot below the surface, a layer of flints, humouring the convexity of the barrow. These flints are gather’d from the surface of the downs in some places, especially where it has been plow’d. This being about a foot thick, rested on a layer of soft mould another foot: in which was inclos’d an urn full of bones. This urn was of unbak’d clay, of a dark reddish colour: crumbled into pieces. It had been rudely wrought with small mouldings round the verge, and other circular channels on the outside, with several indentures between, made with a pointed tool, as depicted in _Plate_ XXXII. where I have drawn all the sorts of things found in this barrow. The bones had been burnt, and crouded all together in a little heap, not so much as a hat crown would contain. The collar bone, and one side of the under-jaw are grav’d in their true magnitude. It appears to have been a girl of about 14 years old, by their bulk and the great quantity of female ornaments mix’d with the bones, all which we gather’d. Beads of all sorts, and in great number, of glass of divers colours, most yellow, one black. Many single, many in long pieces notch’d between, so as to resemble a string of beads, and these were generally of a blue colour. There were many of amber, of all shapes and sizes, flat squares, long squares, round, oblong, little and great. Likewise many of earth, of different shapes, magnitude and colour, some little and white, many large and flattish like a button, others like a pully. But all had holes to run a string thro’, either thro’ their diameter, or sides. Many of the button sort seem to have been cover’d with metal, there being a rim work’d in them, wherein to turn the edge of the covering. One of these was cover’d with a thin film of pure gold. These were the young lady’s ornaments. And had all undergone the fire: so that what would easily consume fell to pieces as soon as handled. Much of the amber burnt half thro’. This person was a heroin, for we found the head of her javelin in brass. At bottom are two holes for the pins that fastned it to the staff. Besides, there was a sharp bodkin, round at one end, square at the other, where it went into a handle. I still preserve whatever is permanent of these trinkets. But we recompos’d the ashes of the illustrious defunct, and cover’d them with earth. Leaving visible marks at top, of the barrow having been open’d, to dissuade any other from again disturbing them: and this was our practice in all the rest.

The Area of STONEHENGE]

Then we op’d the next barrow to it, inclos’d in the same ditch, which we suppos’d the husband or father of this lady. At fourteen inches deep, the mould being mix’d with chalk, we came to the intire skeleton of a man. The skull and all the bones exceedingly rotten and perish’d, thro’ length of time. Tho’ this was a barrow of the latest sort, as we conjecture. The body lay north and south, the head to the north, as that Lord _Pembroke_ open’d.

Next, I went westward, to a group of barrows whence _Stonehenge_ bears east north-east. Here is a large barrow ditch’d about, but of an ancient make. On that side next _Stonehenge_ are ten lesser, small, and as it were crouded together. South of the great one is another barrow, larger than those of the group, but not equalling the first. It would seem, that a man and his wife were bury’d in the two larger, and that the rest were of their children or dependants. One of the small ones, 20 cubits in diameter, I cut thro’, with a pit nine foot in diameter, to the surface of the natural chalk, in the center of the barrow; where was a little hole cut. A child’s body (as it seems) had been burnt here, and cover’d up in that hole: but thro’ the length of time consum’d. From three foot deep, we found much wood ashes soft and black as ink, some little bits of an urn, and black and red earth very rotten. Some small lumps of earth red as vermilion: some flints burnt thro’. Toward the bottom a great quantity of ashes and burnt bones. From this place I could count 128 barrows in sight. See a vast multiplicity of ’em, TAB. XXXI.

Going from hence more southerly, there is a circular dish-like cavity dug in the chalk, 60 cubits in diameter, like a barrow revers’d. ’Tis near a great barrow, the least of the south-western group. ’Tis between it, and what I call the bushbarrow, set with thorn-trees, TAB. XXXII. This cavity is seven feet deep in the middle, extremely well turn’d, and out of it, no doubt, the adjacent barrow is dug. The use of it seems to have been a place for sacrificing and feasting in memory of the dead, as was the ancient custom. ’Tis all overgrown with that pretty shrub _erica vulgaris_, now in flower, and smelling like honey. We made a large cross section in its center upon the cardinal points; we found nothing but a bit of red earthen pot.

We dug up one of those I call Druid’s barrows, a small tump inclos’d in a large circular ditch. I chose that next to bushbarrow, westward of it. _Stonehenge_ bears hence north-east. We made a cross section ten foot each way, three foot broad over its center, upon the cardinal points. At length we found a squarish hole cut into the solid chalk, in the center of the _tumulus_. It was three foot and a half, _i. e._ two cubits long, and near two foot broad, _i. e._ one cubit: pointing to _Stonehenge_ directly. It was a cubit and half deep from the surface. This was the _domus exilis Plutonia_ cover’d with artificial earth, not above a foot thick from the surface. In this little grave we found all the burnt bones of a man, but no signs of an urn. The bank of the circular ditch is on the outside, and is 12 cubits broad. The ditch is 6 cubits broad (the Druid’s staff) the area is 70 cubits in diameter. The whole 100.

I open’d another of these of like dimensions, next to that Lord _Pembroke_ first open’d, south of _Stonehenge_. We found a burnt body in a hole in the chalk, as before. Mr. _Roger Gale_ was with me.

In some other barrows I open’d, were found large burnt bones of horses and dogs, along with human. Also of other animals as seem’d; of fowl, hares, boars, deer, goats, or the like. And in a great and very flat old fashion’d barrow, west from _Stonehenge_, among such matters, I found bits of red and blue marble, chippings of the stones of the temple. So that probably the interr’d was one of the builders. _Homer_ tells us of _Achilles_ slaying horses and dogs, at the funeral of his friend _Patroclus_.

Lord _Pembroke_ told me of a brass sword dug up in a barrow here, which was sent to _Oxford_. In that very old barrow near little _Ambersbury_, was found a very large brass weapon of 20 pounds weight, like a pole-ax. Said to be given to col. _Wyndham_. In the great long barrow farthest north from _Stonehenge_, which I call north long barrow, and supposed to be an Archdruid’s, was found one of those brass instruments call’d _celts_, which I hold to belong to the Druids, wherewith they cut off the misletoe, as before mention’d. Mr. _Stallard_ of _Ambersbury_ gave it to Lord _Burlington_, now in Sir _Hans Sloane_’s cabinet: 13 inches long. They dug a cell in a barrow east of _Ambersbury_, and it was inhabited for some time. There they found all the bones of a horse. This is the sum of what is most material, that fell within my observation, relating to the barrows about _Stonehenge_. We find evidently, these ancient nations had the custom of burning their dead bodies, probably before the name of _Rome_. So lachrymatories we read of in scripture, ancienter than _Greek_ or _Roman_ times, _Psalm_ lvi. 8.

• • • • •

TAB. XXXI. the barrows in _Lake-field_. This is as a church-yard, the burial-place of some town, or large family. I mention’d before, that the ditches observable here, are bounds of parishes, hundreds or lordships. The countrymen sometime call this group, the prophets barrows. Because the _French_ prophets 30 years ago, set up a standard on the largest barrow, and preach’d to the enthusiastic multitude.

TAB. XXXIII. bush-barrow, a barrow planted by the shepherds. ’Tis south of _Stonehenge_, and commands a pleasant prospect of the temple, the _cursus_, the avenue, and of all the barrows around this plain. You see the hills a little on this side _Abury_, whereon runs the _Wansdike_, the boundary of the _Belgic_ kingdom.

TAB. XXXIV. the _tumulus_ of _Carvilius_ who fought _Julius Cæsar_. ’Tis on the other side of _Wilton_ (_Carvilium_) by Lord _Pembroke_’s park: and planted with four trees, as one of the visto’s to the park.

TAB. XXXV. one of the temples at _Persepolis_ a patriarchal one, open: but made after _Solomon_’s temple, square: with mouldings and ornaments. I take it to be of the same age as _Stonehenge_.

_The back Prospect of the beginning of the Avenue to Stonehenge. 6. Aug. 1723._

_Stukeley delin._ _A. the beginning of the avenue. B. the old Kings barrows. C. the 7 Kings barrows. D. Vespasians camp_.]

CHAP. XI.

_Of the original name of_ Stonehenge, _and a conjecture of the
general time of building such kind of works. Of_ Wansdike, _by
whom made and when. Of_ Vespasian’s _camp_. Stonehenge _was
call’d the_ Ambers, _or_ Main Ambres: _which mean the anointed
stones,_ i. e. _the consecrated, the sacred stones. The meaning
of the word_ Ambrosia. _The_ Tyrian Hercules _brought the_
Druids _hither, with_ Abraham’s_ religion._ Apher _a grandson
of_ Abraham’s, _his companion._

I have inform’d the reader, to the best of my skill, what was, and what is the state of _Stonehenge_, both above, and below ground. I apprehend, it will be expected, that I should say somewhat, concerning the antiquity and time of erecting these works, especially of _Stonehenge_. But what can we say, of a matter so very remote? where the oldest memoirs and reports of the oldest nation inhabiting the island, can give us no satisfaction about it: but are as far to seek, as to the founders of this wonderful work, as we are, at this time, and are forced to apply to magic: in order to account for it. Notwithstanding, I shall endeavour to satisfy the readers curiosity, in this point, as well as I can; by giving him my own opinion about it. Not doubting of his candour, in so arduous an attempt: which may perhaps be an amusement to him, whether it gains his belief, or not. Therefore, I shall recite, in short, what occurs to me, on this subject. 1. As to the antiquity of these temples in general. 2. Of the time of founding _Stonehenge_.

The former will anticipate, in some sort, what I promis’d, in treating of the temples of the Druids in general. But I am naturally led to it, here, by observing, that the name of the adjacent town of _Ambersbury_, points out a relation to the work of _Stonehenge_, and to the ancient name of it. For as we took notice at first, the present name of _Stonehenge_, is purely _Saxon_, given by our latest ancestors, by a people wholly strangers to the purport of the thing, that had no notion, no report of its having once been a sacred place; and signifies no more than hanging-stones, or a stone-gallows. The ancient _Britons_ call’d it _choir-gaur_, which the _Monks_ latiniz’d into _chorea gigantum_, the giants dance; a name suited to the marvelous notion they had of the structure, or of the reports of magic, concern’d in raising it. But I had rather chuse to think _choir gaur_ in _Welsh_, truly means, the great church; the cathedral, in our way of speaking. A general title, which the _Welsh_ inhabitants, the remnants of the _Belgæ_, conquer’d by the _Romans_, gave it; as well knowing the true use of it, and even frequenting it in a religious way. Tho’ they had driven off the first possessors of it, and the builders: I mean in _Divitiacus_ his time, or sooner, before the _Roman_ invasion.

There is a very plain reason: that _Stonehenge_ was built, before the _Wansdike_ was made, and _that_ was the last boundary of the _Belgic_ kingdom in _Britain_. The stones of which _Stonehenge_ is compos’d, were fetcht from beyond that boundary, consequently _then_ an enemies country. It seems not improbable, that the _Wansdike_ was made, when this _Belgic_ kingdom was at its height, and that time we may well guess at, from _Cæsar_. He tells us in _Bell. Gall. Lib._ II. 4. “the _Belgæ_ are of _German_ original. By force of arms, they possess’d themselves of the countries, south of the _Rhine_ and towards the ocean, driving out the _Gauls_. They were a very warlike nation, and could produce 100000 men in arms. That one of their kings _Divitiacus_, in the memory of some then living, obtain’d the government, both of great part of _Gaul_ and in _Britain_ too.” I believe the _Belgæ_ and _Sicambri_, all one people of _German_ original. Our _Welsh_ call themselves _Cymri_, and from them _Cumberland_ has its name. It is very just to think this _Wansdike_ was made in the time of _Divitiacus_, both because of the greatness of the work, suiting so potent a prince, and because it is the last boundary: after that time, the _Roman_ power swallowing up all divisions.

I judge, we may reasonably place the time of making the _Wansdike_, about 50 years before _Cæsar_ wrote, we may say AUC. 650. _Divitiacus_ probably ordered it to be made in person. And it seems to have been drawn from the upper end of the _Tees_ river, about _Whit-church_, and _Andover_, in _Hampshire_: to the _Avon_ river, about _Bristol_. These two rivers and the _Wansdike_ separated the _Belgic_ kingdom from the old _Celtic Britons_. They by this means, were driven from this beautiful country, and from their stately temple of _Stonehenge_, by these powerful invaders. It is remarkable enough, that the inhabitants of _Somersetshire_, the ancient seat of the _Belgæ_, retain still the _Belgic_, liquidating pronunciation, _v_ consonant for _f_, _z_ for _s_.

The _Devizes_ is a town in the middle of the length of _Wansdike_, very probably erected, among others, to secure this ditch or fortification. It seems to have been the capital fort or frontier town, and to have its name from the king, as a trophy or monument of his power: built by him in person. _Anonymus Ravennas_ may possibly call it _Punctuobice_, but we have no certainty, that his copy retains the word uncorrupt, or that he transcribed it right: nor what alteration the _Romans_ made in the original word, nor what was made in the later and barbarous times. However there seems enough therein, as well as in the present name of the town, to countenance our conjecture. The former part of the word _punctuo_, which Mr. _Baxter_ thinks monstrous, may come, perhaps, from the _German_ word _pooghen_, which signifies an arduous work, and might regard the castle here, which is said to have been once, the strongest in _Europe_. _Neubringensis_ calls it _Divisæ_. They tell us legendary stories of its being built by an old _British_ king.

_Divisus_ was probably the name of this _Belgic_ Monarch, or _Duiguis_: as _Gluiguis_ king of _Demetia_ in _Wales_ is wrote _Glivisus_ in _Toland_, p. 186. and the termination may have been form’d into _Latin_, from the _Celtic_ word _taeog_ _dux_. Whence, perhaps, the _Etruscan Tages_, so much boasted of in their antiquities; likewise the modern _Doge_ of _Venice_. So that _Divitiacus_ may well be _Divisus dux_. The name of the _Wansdike_, I shewed to be purely _Celtic_, p. 4.

It is an ancient oriental custom to make these boundary ditches. Thus the land belonging to the several tribes of _Israel_ was marked out by a ditch, as we read in the accounts of the holy land. Particularly the author of _le voyage de la terre sainte_, printed 1675. _Paris_, p. 57. says, “he travell’d five or six miles along such a ditch going from _Joppa_ to _Jerusalem_, which parted the tribes of _Benjamin_ and _Judah_.” ’Tis recited _Joshua_ xv.

The monkish writers make much ado about _Aurelius Ambrosius_, a christian king of the _Britons_ (in the time of our great ancestor _Hengist_) building _Stonehenge_, by the help of _Merlin Ambrosius_ the magician, in memory of the _British_ nobility slain treacherously by _Hengist_, at _Ambresbury_. Some say the fact was committed _ad pagum Ambri_, others call it _cœnobium Ambrij_, others _ad montem Ambrij_. One while they refer the name to _Ambrosius_, another time to an Abbot _Ambrius_, and this was among our _Roman British_ ancestors, who were christians. They add too, that _Merlin_ fetch’d these stones out of _Ireland_, that they had been brought before, out of _Africa_ into _Ireland_: that he set them up here in the same form, by art magic; and that the stones were of a medicinal Virtue. These matters we read in _Girald. Cambrens._ de admirand. Hib. c. 18. _Higden_’s Polychron. v. _Geoff. Monmouth_ VIII. _Matt. Westminster_, &c.

_Stukeley delin._ _Toms sculp._

_The Approach to Radfin fronting the Avenue of Stonehenge 8. June 1724_

A. _the avenue._ B. _the old Kings barrows._ C. _the new Kings barrows._ D. _Vespasians camp._ E. _the beginning of the avenue._]

This calls to my memory, what the above-mention’d Dr. _Harwood_ inform’d me, he had heard the great Sir _Christopher Wren_ say, that there were such structures as _Stonehenge_, in _Africa_, being temples dedicate to _Saturn_. But I need not be tedious in observing, how absurd the _Monkish_ reports are; of a christian king erecting _Stonehenge_, as a sepulchral monument for the _British_ nobility, massacred in the monastery of _Ambresbury_. At the same time they say, their bodies were buried in the church-yard of the monastery. Nor how they confound the names of _Ambrosius_ the king, _Ambrius_ the abbot, the town, abby and mountain of _Ambry_, and perhaps of _Merlin_ too, for one of them was call’d _Ambrosius_. But their affirming, the edifice came out of _Africa_ into _Spain_, thence into _Ireland_, thence into _Britain_, and of its being erected here in the same form, by art magic; and that the stones are of a medicinal virtue: these notions lead us to the original truth, of the Druid founders, and that _Stonehenge_ had originally, the name of _Ambres_, and from it the adjacent town of _Ambresbury_ had its name.

To pursue this matter a little further. Between _Stonehenge_ and the town, hanging over the river, upon elevated ground is a fine and ancient camp, commonly call’d _Vespasian_’s, and not without much probability, attributed to him. We have often had occasion to mention it before. That great man, destin’d by providence for executing his final vengeance, on the people of the _Jews_, and thereby accomplishing our Saviour’s predictions; by his successes in this place, pav’d a road to the imperial dignity. Having conquer’d the isle of _Wight_, he pursued his good fortune, higher up into this country, where he made this camp, and another across the heath, call’d _Yanesbury_; which seems to retain the latter part of his name. The camp we are speaking of near _Ambresbury_, is an oblong square, nicely placed upon a flexure of the river, which closes one side and one end of it. There is an old barrow inclos’d in it, which, doubtless was one of those belonging to this plain, and to the temple of _Stonehenge_, before this camp was made. It is pretty to observe, that the road from _Stonehenge_ to _Ambresbury_, runs upon the true _via prætoria_ of the camp. The Generals tent or _prætorium_ was in that part south of the road, between it and the river, toward little _Ambresbury_. There is another gate of the camp, at the lower end, northward, the _porta prætoria ordinaria_, in the _Roman_ language. Now I apprehend, that _Stonehenge_ was originally call’d the _Ambres_, from thence this camp was call’d _Ambresburgh_, and thence the name of the town underneath.

Mr. _Camden_ writes, “that near _Pensans_ in _Cornwall_, is a very remarkable stone, call’d _main Ambre_, which tho’ it be of a vast bigness, yet you may move it with one finger: notwithstanding a great number of men cannot remove it from its place. The name is interpreted the stone of _Ambrosius_.” A picture of it in _Norden_’s history of _Cornwall_, p. 48. I have seen one of these rocking stones, as call’d commonly, in _Derbyshire_. Mr. _Toland_ in his history of the Druids, mentions it too, and says there are such in _Wales_ and in _Ireland_. Sir _Robert Sibbald_ mentions them in _Scotland_, all rightly judg’d to have been done by the Druids. Sir _Robert_ speaking of the rocking stone near _Balvaird_ (or the _Bards_ town) in _Fife_: “I am inform’d (says he) that this stone was broken by the usurper _Cromwell_’s soldiers. And it was discover’d then, that its motion was perform’d, by a yolk extuberant in the middle of the under surface of the uppermost stone, which was inserted in a cavity, in the surface of the lower stone.” This is the artifice of the stones at _Stonehenge_, but applied here by the Druids for a moveable principle, as there, for stability. I call them mortaise and tenon: and before observ’d them to be of an egg-like form; which Sir _Robert_ calls a yolk. The _Main Amber_ in _Cornwall_ was likewise destroy’d in the civil wars, by one of _Oliver_’s governors. These reformers had a notion of these works being superstitious matters. _Main Ambre_ is _lapis Ambrosius_, or _petra Ambrosia_. And that name leads us to consider the famous _petræ Ambrosiæ_, on the coins of the city of _Tyre_. A specimen of them, I have drawn on the _Plate_ following.

These, and many more of the like sort, struck by the city of _Tyre_, in honour of their founder _Hercules_, may be seen in _Vaillant_’s second Volume of colony coins, _pag._ 69, 148, 218, 251, 337.

They represent two great, rough stones, call’d _petræ ambrosiæ_, with an altar before them, and an olive tree; _Hercules_ the hero of _Tyre_, the famous Navigator of antiquity, their founder, sacrificing. On some of the coins _petræ ambrosiæ_ wrote in _Greek_. He is represented indeed like the _Greek Hercules_, but in the latter times of the _Roman_ empire, when these coins were struck, they at _Tyre_ were as far to seek about the true meaning and origin of their first antiquities, as we of ours. And what knowledge they had of them, was from legendary reports of the _Greeks_, who chiefly, among the heathens, had the knack of writing. These reports, as we may find in _Nonnus_ his _Dionysiacs_, 40. and 41. acquaint us, that _Hercules_ invented shipping, as a latin poet too intimates, _Tibullus_.

_Prima ratem ventis credere docta Tyrus._

They acquaint us that he ordered _Tyre_ to be built, where the _petræ ambrosiæ_ stood, which were two moveable rocks, standing by an olive tree. He was to sacrifice on them, and they should become fixt and stable: rather, the City should be built with happy auspice, and become permanent.

Here are our _Main Ambres_, made artfully moveable, a kind of altars, or pillars, the same as the pillars of _Hercules_ so fam’d, and as little understood. They were the original patriarchal altars, for libations and sacrifices, and mean, in general, their Altars, whether moveable or immoveable: or as we may speak, their temples, which imply an altar properly, inclosed with stones and a ditch, or ground dedicated and set apart for public celebration of religious rites. For the word _Ambrosius_ means in general, consecrated, dedicated to religious use.

Beside the _petræ ambrosiæ_ of _Tyre_, and our _main ambres_ of _Britain_ and _Ireland_, we meet with another in _Hephæstion_’s History III. 3. “Speaking of _Hercules_, he mentions the _Gygonian_ stone, as he calls it, near the ocean, which may be mov’d with the stalk of an _asphodel_, but can’t be remov’d by any force.” It seems this word _Gygonius_ is purely _Celtic_. For _gwingog_ signifies _motitans_, the rocking stone; and _gwgon_ is what the boys with us call a gig, or little top. For these _Gygonian_ stones are of that shape, pyramidal.

_Prospect of Vespasians Camp near Ambersbury. Aug^{st}: 7. 1723_

_Prospect from the 7 barrows east of Ambersbury, to the opening of the Avenue of Stonehenge, &c._

A. _the beginning of the avenue_ _Stukeley Del._]

No wonder these matters are well nigh lost, in the mist of extreme antiquity, when even the meaning of the word _ambrosius_ was hardly known, either to the antients or moderns, till Mr. _Baxter_ discover’d it, in his glossary. It signifies oil of roses, _rosaceum_: the most antient kind of perfume. In the 4th _Odyssy_, v. 445. _Edothea_ a sea goddess, teaches _Menelaus_ and his companions, to cure the odious smell of the sea calves.

Ἀμβροσίην ὑπὸ ῥῖνα ἑκάστῳ θῆκε φέρουσα
Ἡδὺ μάλα πνείουσαν.————————————————

She put _ambrosia_ to their noses, sweetly smelling. Again, in his hymn to _Venus_, the graces washt the goddess, and anointed her with oil ambrosial: such as becomes the immortals.

——————————————καὶ χρῖσαν ἐλαίῳ
Ἀμβρότῳ, οἷα Θεοὺς ἐπενήνοθεν αἰὲν ἐόντας.

Lastly, in _Iliad._ XXIII. _Venus_ anoints _Hector_’s body with ambrosial oil of roses,

——————ῥοδόεντι δὲ χρῖεν ἐλαίῳ
Ἀμβροσίῳ————————————

Which is a tautology. For from length of time, they scarce knew the true meaning of the word in _Homer_’s age.

_Virgil_ seems to understand but somewhat of the original meaning of the word, speaking of _Venus_; her hair was anointed with ointment perfum’d.

_Ambrosiæq; comæ divinum vertice odorem
Spiravere_———————————————— Æneid.

In _Pliny_ Nat. Hist. XIII. 1. we find the _oleum rhodinum_ most antient, common and simple. And this is the true _ambrosia_, which from its very antient use in sacred rites, had almost lost its meaning; and was us’d to signify, one while, the food of the gods, another time, immortality; again, whatever is divine, or appropriate to the gods. But simply, it signifies oil of roses, still from its first use, in sacred matters, it imports anointed, in a religious sense; consecrated, dedicated. Then _main ambres_, _ambres_, _petræ ambrosiæ_, signify the stones anointed with holy oil, consecrated; or in a general sense a temple, altar, or place of worship.

The truth is, it was a patriarchal custom to consecrate their altars, pillars, or in a general word temples, by anointing with oil, either simple or perfum’d. Rose oil being the oldest, engross’d the general name of the action; so that a stone anointed with oil of roses, is a _main amber_, or _lapis ambrosius_. The same is an altar, or stone dedicate to religious use. The plural number, _petræ ambrosiæ_, import a church or temple, in our way of speaking.

We have an illustrious instance of this practice in the holy Scriptures, and the earliest. _Gen._ xxviii. This is not commonly understood by writers. ’Tis the moving and memorable history of young _Jacob_, sent away from his father’s house alone, to take a long journey to some unknown relations. He came to a place, call’d afterward _Bethel_, and sleeping with his head on a stone for a pillow, had a celestial vision; and a promise from God, of the highest importance to him and all mankind. Awaking, he thought the place had been holy ground, where, perhaps, his grandfather _Abraham_ had before-time built an altar; an house of God, or gate of heaven, as he elegantly names it. “Therefore he rose up early in the morning, which was one circumstance (in patriarchal times) of the work he was going about, and took the stone that he had put for his pillow, and set it up for a pillar; and poured oil upon the top of it, and called the place _Beth-el_, _i. e._ the house of God. Then he vowed, that if God would please to prosper him in his journey, and bring him back into his own country, he would build a temple there, and consecrate to God the tythe of his substance, as was the manner in those times.”

This is in reality a votive, patriarchal temple, altar or house of God, which he not only vows to build, but at the same time endows it. The stone which _Jacob_ anointed, was not an altar properly, lying on the ground whereon to make a libation, but he set it up as a pillar. It was one of the upright stones, which the scripture calls pillars, as standing of itself; a part of the circle of stones, inclosing the altar. And by the act of anointing, _Jacob_ consecrated it, as the manner then was, destined it for a sacred purpose, as an earnest of his will in good time to fulfil it. And this he did fulfil, _chap._ xxxv. building the celebrated temple of _Bethel_. Here _Jeroboam_ set up one of his golden calves. At last it was destroy’d by _Vespasian_.

In _Exod._ xxiv. 4. “we have an instance of _Moses_ rising up early in the morning and building an altar, and setting up 12 pillars around it.” This was before the tabernacle was made, which introduced the custom of cover’d temples.

But so famous was that patriarchal temple of _Jacob_’s, which he built at _Bethel_; that the heathen called all their temples of that sort, when they were perverted to idolatrous purposes, _Bæthylia_, _lapides Bætyli_, and the like. Which indeed is but another manner of expressing _lapis Ambrosius_, or our _Main Ambre_. And according to custom, the fabulous _Greeks_ having lost the true history of its origin, affix’d many strange stories to it; as of _Saturn_ devouring such a stone, wrapt up in a skin, instead of his Son _Jupiter_: which seems to be form’d from the memory of praying at these places, in the name of the mediatorial deity, as the patriarchs did. And _Sanchoniathon_ tells us, the god _Ouranus_ devised _Bætylia_, or animated stones. He means our rocking stones, _gygonian_ stones. I shall show in my discourse on that subject, that by _Ouranus_, he means righteous _Noah_, who, according to patriarchal usage, builded an altar unto _Jehovah_, _Gen._ viii. 20. meaning one of these patriarchal temples. In time, by the corruption of mankind, these places were desecrated to idolatrous purposes; and writers pervert the intent of them. So that God Almighty, raising up the Mosaic Dispensation, was oblig’d to interdict the very use and practice of these open temples, and introduce the cover’d one of the tabernacle; by way of opposition to heathenism, as well as with other important views.

We find now the meaning of anointed stones in antiquity, and the olive-tree set by the stones on the _Tyrian_ coins. As the very learned Author of _Archæologia Græca_ observes, on the affair of consecration, “they were more or less sumptuous and expensive, as other parts of divine worship, according to the ability of the worshippers.” Young _Jacob_ a traveller us’d plain oil, part of his _viaticum_, others us’d perfum’d oil, or _ambrosia_. That author cites us from _Athenæus_, the method of consecrating _Jupiter Ctesias_’s statue with a libation call’d _ambrosia_: and others by anointing with oil, prayers and libations, _Exodus_ xxx. 22. We have the holy precious ointment made under the _Jewish_ dispensation for the like purpose. And we use such, for inauguration of our kings, to this day.

The _Tyrian Hercules_ who built _Tyre_ and set up the _petræ Ambrosiæ_ in those coins, (if I mistake not) liv’d as early as the time, of _Jacob_’s anointing the stone at _Bethel_. The great _Bochart_, who penetrated very deep into the _Phœnician_ learning, looks upon it as a clear matter, that in _Joshua_’s time, the _Phœnicians_ sent innumerable colonies, into the mediterranean coasts, and even to the ocean. In the preface to his admirable work _Canaan_, he says, “he has a great suspicion, that colonies went abroad this way, before that time. Particularly, he asserts, that _Hercules_, in _Eusebius_ sirnamed _Desanaus_, who was famous in _Phœnicia_ before the _Exodus_, is the same, who conquer’d _Antæus_ in _Africa_: which in _Eusebius_, is set 56 years before. He is call’d _Hercules primus_, and that is 63 years before the _Exodus_, in _Eusebius_’s chronology.” Again, he judges it to be 2000 years distance between the later _Roman_ times and the first _Hercules_. Now from _Constantine_ the great, 2000 years carries us up to _Jacob_’s time. And he proves, from _Aristotle de mirabilibus_, that _Hercules_ built _Utica_ in _Africa_, at that time; wherein _Eusebius_ says he was famous in _Phœnicia_, and this must be when _Hercules_ was old. He having conquer’d _Antæus_ in that country, when he was young.

_The Beginning of the Avenue to Stonehenge, where it is Plow’d up._

A. _The 7 Kings Barrows_ B. _The Avenue going towards Stonehenge_ C. _The 6 Old Kings Barrows._]